Islands of Ireland: Heir Island is the international isle off West Cork

Fancy going to Paris or Spain for the weekend? They might be closer than you think. 

Heir Island lies midway between Baltimore and Schull in Roaringwaterbay in the far southwest of the country. The hamlet of Paris lies in its centre. No Eiffel Tower or Champs Elysses here, but this Paris, located on a narrow isthmus, has its own splendours: Tranquility, gentility and a window on to a rustic way of life. And in fact, there is an art gallery up the road.

Over the water near Baltimore is the townland of Spain, complete with a watchtower.